HONG KONG: Satellite operator Asiasat and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have announced the renewal of lease agreements for the use of C-band capacity on AsiaSat 2.
An official release informs that the EBU uses the Asiasat 2 capacity to transmit regular and ad hoc live video contribution feeds for its members and customers between Asia, Australasia and Europe through the Union's Eurovision Network. This includes premium sports events such as the Olympics, European national and international football and news feeds from major world political and chronicle venues, such as the G8 meetings and the Iraq war.
Eurovision claims to be the world's largest dedicated television contribution network and is recognised as the most reliable communication network for live video transmissions. Eurovision's Asian service offers broadcasters and cable operators fully digital MPEG-2 channels, linking Asia and Europe through Asiasat 2 C-band capacity.
The EBU claims to be the largest professional association of national broadcasters in the world. Headquartered in Geneva, the Union has 71 active Members in 52 countries of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and 46 associate Members in 29 countries. Working on behalf of its members in the European area, the EBU negotiates broadcasting rights for major sports events, operates the Eurovision and Euroradio networks, organises programme exchanges, stimulates and coordinates co-productions.
Launched in 1995, AsiaSat 2 has a 13-year operational life. The satellite carries 20 36 MHz and four 72 MHz C-band, as well as nine 54 MHz Ku-band linearised transponders. Its C-band footprint covers 53 countries embracing Asia, the Middle East, Australasia and the C.I.S. Asiasat 2 also has a high-power Ku beam serving the Greater China region, Korea and Japan.